Outdoor Kitchens are a Hot Trend in Home Improvement

Outdoor Kitchens are a Hot Trend in Home Improvement

Twenty years ago there probably wasn't much on your deck or patio except a charcoal barbecue and a picnic table. How times have changed! Now home improvement professionals are creating "outdoor rooms" for their clients and the most popular kind is the outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens vary considerably from their indoor counterparts. Since they don't get as much use, they often don't require a lot of cabinet space and may not need a fridge or sink.

Grills: The heart of your outdoor kitchen is a gas grill. This can be a simple affair or it can be an elaborate model capable of grilling mountains of food. Many models come with a grilling area and side burners that you can use to cook side dishes and sauces. Give some thought to where you want to place the grill. It should be in a location where smoke won't blow on the diners and that allows the cook to remain part of the action.

Counters and Sinks: Allow plenty of counter space on either side of the grill. Use a durable, low-maintenance material such as concrete or slate. In terms of sinks, skip the fancy porcelain or copper sinks you might use inside; stainless steel is the way to go. If the sink is part of a wet bar, position it accordingly. Keep in mind that you probably only need cold water unless you want to wash dishes outside.

Cabinets: If you're planning to use your outdoor kitchen a lot, it is more convenient to store utensils, dishes, and pots outside. One option is cabinets set in brick or masonry block. You can also find moderately priced cabinets designed specifically to withstand the weather.

Other Considerations: Remember that you will need to bring electricity, water, and gas from inside the house, so figure that into your home improvement budget. If you're planning to use the kitchen when the weather gets cold, consider purchasing a portable restaurant-style propane heater. Another option is to add a fire pit or fire table near the eating area.

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